What is a frozen pipe?
A frozen pipe is a water pipe with an ice blockage, and the ice expands by about 9% as it forms, which splits the pipe.
Frozen pipe repair is one part of pipe repair, because a frozen pipe that thaws without care turns into a burst pipe.
What are the 5 signs of a frozen pipe?
The 5 signs of a frozen pipe are listed below, from the most common to the least common.
- No water comes from one faucet during a cold snap.
- Frost shows on an exposed pipe.
- A toilet does not refill.
- Odd smells come from a drain when the line is blocked by ice.
- A bulge or crack appears on the pipe.
Seeing one of these signs? Call a local plumber now.
Call (607) 305-8020How does a plumber thaw a frozen pipe?
A plumber uses the 5 steps below to thaw a frozen pipe.
- Opens the faucet on the frozen line.
- Finds the frozen section in the coldest part of the run.
- Warms the pipe with a heat gun, heat tape or a pipe thawing machine.
- Checks the thawed section for splits.
- Insulates the pipe or adds heat tape to stop the next freeze.
How much does frozen pipe repair cost in Lancaster, PA?
Frozen pipe thawing in Lancaster, PA costs about $100, according to HomeAdvisor. A frozen pipe that bursts costs $200–$3,000 to repair.
Typical prices for 3 frozen pipe repair jobs are shown in the table below.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Thawing a frozen pipe | about $100 |
| Burst pipe repair | $200–$3,000 |
| Emergency call-out fee | $100–$300 |
Source: HomeAdvisor national cost data, 2025–2026. Ranges are what most homeowners pay; your plumber gives the price for your job before work starts.
Want a price for your job? Call and describe the problem to a local plumber.
Call (607) 305-8020Related plumbing problems and next steps
When is a frozen pipe repair problem an emergency?
A frozen pipe repair problem is an emergency once it splits. Close the main water valve before the pipe thaws and call for burst pipe repair. Emergency calls for pipe problems go to an emergency plumber service in Lancaster, PA.
What services are related to frozen pipe repair?
The 4 services related to frozen pipe repair are listed below.
- Repiping is the parent service, and the repiping in Lancaster, PA page covers it in full.
- Burst pipe repair signs, steps and prices are on the burst pipe repair in Lancaster page.
- Gas line repair signs, steps and prices are on the gas line repair in Lancaster, PA page.
- Frozen pipes what to do has 4 causes, listed in the frozen pipes what to do guide.
Where else in Lancaster County is frozen pipe repair available?
Frozen pipe repair pages for 3 nearby Lancaster County towns are listed below.
- Elizabethtown (ZIP 17022) frozen pipe repair calls go to Frozen Pipe Repair in Elizabethtown.
- Lititz (ZIP 17543) frozen pipe repair calls go to Frozen Pipe Repair in Lititz.
- Ephrata (ZIP 17522) frozen pipe repair calls go to Frozen Pipe Repair in Ephrata.
Frequently asked questions
Can frozen pipes thaw on their own?
Yes, frozen pipes can thaw on their own once temperatures rise, but a pipe that split while frozen starts leaking as soon as the ice melts.
Should I call a plumber for a frozen pipe?
Yes, you should call a plumber for a frozen pipe that is hidden in a wall, in a crawl space or already cracked.